A brutal ambush along the Mbale-Kampala route has left an NGO employee dead and sparked a sweeping security operation that has so far led to the arrest of five suspects, including an army deserter and an active-duty soldier.
The victim, Godfrey Wayengera, an employee of Compassion International Uganda, was traveling with Christine Najjabi when the duo was intercepted by a group of assailants clad in military attire.
According to police, the attackers ambushed the pair and murdered Godfrey, dumping his body in Namulira Village, Mukono District.
The attack occurred on June 9, 2025, and has since prompted a joint investigation by the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies.
Authorities said they have made a “significant progress” in the case, recovering a SAR rifle, as well as military and police uniforms believed to have been used by the suspects during the attack.
Uganda’s Police spokesman, Rusoke Kituuma confirmed the arrests, identifying the suspects as Tumusiime Ashraf alias Obadiah (40), a resident of Kireka; Ssenteza Mike (40), from Wakiso; and Kasolo Fahad (30), of Nabweru and Kireka. Also in custody are Sgt. Mwesige Muhammad alias Jet Lee or Munamakerere (50), an army deserter from Kagugube, and Cpl Mugabe Borban Aspa, an active army officer and resident of the same area. Several of the arrests were made in Mukono, Wakiso, and Wandegeya during targeted operations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects belong to a criminal gang targeting traders and travelers along Katosi Road in Mukono.
He added that security forces remain fully committed to bringing all those responsible to justice and ensuring that the public is protected from such criminal gangs. The investigation remains ongoing.
